Wednesday, September 7, 2011

HU Players Announce 2011-2012 Theater Season

HU Players Announce 2011-2012 Theater Season

The Hampton University Players and Company proudly presents its 2011-2012 theater season. Described as the “Season of Family,” this year’s showcase features Broadway worthy performances with guest star Aunjanue Ellis of “The Help” appearing in one of the productions. All performances are in HU’s Armstrong Hall Little Theater

Nominated for thirteen Tony Awards and the winner of six, DreamGirls is based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R & B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and others. A young female singing trio from Chicago, gets their break at an amateur competition, and begins singing backup vocals for James “Thunder” Early. However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor, Jr., makes Deena and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams.” This piece of engaging theatre is captivating entertainment; you will definitely want to see it more than once!

Paula Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive gives a light look at a very dark subject. The audience is taken for a bumpy ride as Li’l Bit recounts her deepening relationship with her Uncle Peck, a truly caring man with one major flaw. Her “lessons” span many years and we come to understand not only the how of their relationship, but the why as well. The overtly theatrical method of presentation—including flashbacks, non-realistic setting, and the device of the Greek chorus—both distances the audience and draws them into the world of Li’l Bit and Uncle Peck as he instructs her not only how to drive, but how to have the strength to make adult choices in life.

Through the Crack is the heart-warming story of three African American women who are bound to one another by the common blood that flows through their veins. Vickie’s single, saved and sanctified sister, Vanessa Morgan, has her middleclass lifestyle in the city disrupted when she is forced to acknowledge what she has long suspected--that her sister is entangled in a web of drug addiction and headed swiftly for destruction. This provocative play traces the women’s journey from addiction to recovery, detailing their thoughts, feelings, and actions towards their circumstances, and exposing their individual desires to avoid being smothered by family responsibilities and relationships. The characters’ faith in God sustains them through the laughter and the tears as they learn the true meaning of unconditional love on all levels. This production will star special guest Aunjanue Ellis. She is known for her roles in The Help, The Mentalist, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Men of Honor, Undercover Brother, Ray,New York Undercover, The Practice, Third Watch, Undercover Brother, Law and Order: Criminal Intentand Numb3rs.

Hampton University Fashion Week
April 17-April 21
"Fashion Week" evokes thoughts of big name designers, paparazzi and flashing lights. Hampton University’s Fashion Week will be no different. The Department of Fine and Performing Arts will showcase the best student and professional designers in an intimate environment providing an experience like no other seen in this area. Workshops, seminars, lectures, and photo shoots held by industry professionals, will culminate with an exciting HU Rips the Runway Fashion Show in the Little Theatre in Armstrong Hall April 21 at 8 p.m. Contact the HU Box Office for ticket pricing and information.